US4164636A - Integral electrical shorting switch and connector assembly - Google Patents

Integral electrical shorting switch and connector assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
US4164636A
US4164636A US05/823,226 US82322677A US4164636A US 4164636 A US4164636 A US 4164636A US 82322677 A US82322677 A US 82322677A US 4164636 A US4164636 A US 4164636A
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United States
Prior art keywords
switch
recess
plug
terminals
connector
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Expired - Lifetime
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US05/823,226
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English (en)
Inventor
David A. Gallagher
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Amphenol Corp
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Bunker Ramo Corp
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Priority to US05/823,226 priority Critical patent/US4164636A/en
Priority to CA308,903A priority patent/CA1106929A/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US4164636A publication Critical patent/US4164636A/en
Assigned to ALLIED CORPORATION A CORP. OF NY reassignment ALLIED CORPORATION A CORP. OF NY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: BUNKER RAMO CORPORATION A CORP. OF DE
Assigned to CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE, NEW YORK AGENCY, AS AGENT reassignment CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE, NEW YORK AGENCY, AS AGENT SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: AMPHENOL CORPORATION
Assigned to AMPHENOL CORPORATION, A CORP. OF DE reassignment AMPHENOL CORPORATION, A CORP. OF DE ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: ALLIED CORPORATION, A CORP. OF NY
Assigned to BANKERS TRUST COMPANY, AS AGENT reassignment BANKERS TRUST COMPANY, AS AGENT SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: AMPHENOL CORPORATION, A CORPORATION OF DE
Assigned to AMPHENOL CORPORATION A CORP. OF DELAWARE reassignment AMPHENOL CORPORATION A CORP. OF DELAWARE RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE
Assigned to AMPHENOL CORPORATION reassignment AMPHENOL CORPORATION RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BANKERS TRUST COMPANY
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to electrical switches of the shorting or ignition killing type and, more particularly, to an improved electrical switch and connector assembly in which the switch terminals and connections thereto are isolated from the environment to insure reliable switch operation.
  • switches of the type used for momentarily shorting a pair of conductors such as those used in ignition to stop or kill an engine, are well known.
  • Such switches are used for instance in lawn mowers or marine equipment and generally comprise two terminals, each having one end terminated by soldering or crimping to the respective ignition wires.
  • the other ends of the switch terminals are spacially mounted a short distance apart so as to be selectively shorted by a movable conductor member when it is desired to turn off the associated engine.
  • switches Under normal environmental conditions, such switches can be expected to operate reliabily.
  • water or other determintal substances often seep or otherwise find their way into the switch assembly and cause corrosion of the switch terminals.
  • the corrosion may continue unnoticed, resulting in a condition where the switch terminals cannot be short circuited when desired by selective movement of the shorting member. Under severe situations, the corrosion may develop to such an extent that the switch terminals become intermittently or even permanently short circuited to cause unintended engine shut-off. In any event, the unreliable or inoperative switch must be replaced.
  • the present invention is, therefore, directed to a shorting switch and connection assembly which overcomes the problems of the prior art relating to the seepage of water or other detrimental substances into the shorting switch.
  • corrosion at the shorting portion of the switch terminals and also at the opposite termination portions of the switch is greatly reduced.
  • Means are provided for sealing both ends of the switch terminals to isolate them from the environment.
  • means are provided in the connector portion of the present invention so as to minimize the factors which previously contributed to the deterioration and breaking of the ignition wires at the termination point.
  • an ignition kill switch is provided with a pair of elongated switch terminals mounted in a switch body, each terminal having a shorting portion end extending from the switch body so as to be surrounded and protected from the environment by an enclosure.
  • the enclosure comprises a cavity formed in one end of the switch body covered by a conventional, flexible boot member, thereby isolating the shorting portion ends of the switch terminals in the cavity from the environment.
  • a shorting conductor mounted in the boot projects into the cavity a short distance from the switch terminals so that deflection of the boot results in conductive engagement between the shorting conductor and the shorting portions of the switch terminals in the protected environment.
  • the switch terminals each further include a contact end which projects into an elongated recess in the switch body.
  • the elongated recess is also sealed from the environment by a connector plug having mating contacts.
  • the connector plug provides a primary seal exterior of the switch body and a secondary seal on the recess interior to protect and isolate the switch terminal contact ends from the environment.
  • a conductor strain relief and double seal is also provided on each plug for the ignition wires.
  • FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view illustrating an ignition shorting switch and connector assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention with the switch in the normal, non-shorting position;
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the ignition shorting switch and connector assembly of FIG. 1 rotated 90° and illustrating a double-sealing boot member and a double-sealing connector plug environmentally protecting respective ends of the switch terminals, with the switch illustrated in the momentarily operated, shorting condition;
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of the switch and connector assembly shown in FIG. 2 taken along line 3--3 and showing the finger-actuated ridge portion of the boot;
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 1, showing the respective shorting portion ends of the switch terminals;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 2 showing an interference fit of the connector plug body and the switch body providing a double seal at the contact end of the switch terminals;
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 1, showing details of the connector plug body and switch body construction enabling prealignment of the contacts and each respective member.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings there is illustrated an ignition shorting or killing switch and connector assembly 10 including a switch portion 12 and a connector portion 14 at each end thereof.
  • the switch portion 12 includes a generally cylindrical switch body 16 having a cavity 18 and an elongated recess 20 formed in opposite ends thereof.
  • the longitudinal recess 20 comprises an outer, cylindrical recess portion 22 at one extreme end of the switch body and an inner recess portion 24.
  • the switch body 16 has two longitudinally or axially extending passageways such as 26 through which a respective elongated switch terminal 28 is inserted such as by press-fitting or well known ultrasonic welding means.
  • Each of the switch terminals 28 includes a shorting portion 30 at one end which extends from the switch body in a hooked manner, reentrantly outwardly, shown best in FIG. 2, such that the very end thereof is press-fitted or ultrasonically inserted into the switch body. This hooked shape tends to stabilize the terminals during the switch operation.
  • the other end of each switch terminal 28 comprises a male contact 32 which extends longitudinally into the switch body inner recess portion 24.
  • the switch portion 12 further includes a generally cylindrical flange 34 extending outwardly from and around the switch body to mate within a similarly shaped depression in the interior of a flexible boot member 36.
  • the boot 36 includes a sealing portion which is internally configured so as to sealingly engage the switch body.
  • a bell-shaped shorting member 46 is mounted by means of a rivet 48 or other suitable member so as to project within the cavity 18 and thereby be protected from the environment by the boot.
  • One end of the rivet 48 through conventional injection molding techniques may be captured within a protruding ridge 50 formed on the interior of the cap 42.
  • the other end of rivet 48 passes through the shorting bell 46 and is enlarged in a known manner to lock the shorting bell in position.
  • the bell-shaped or curved shorting member 46 is formed of a conducting material, such as brass or copper, and is mounted in the cap 42 so that its center is substantially axially aligned between the longitudinally extending portions of the switch terminals 28.
  • the interior of the shorting member is concave and dimensioned so as to overlie the hook-shaped shorting portions 30 of the switch terminals.
  • Circular ridges and a central ridge 52 are preferably formed on the outer surface of the cap 42 to improve the friction characteristics of the cap facilitate operation of the switch.
  • shorting of the switch terminals 28 is accomplished by depressing the cap 42 and exerting an inward force sufficient to flex the cap 42 as shown in FIG. 2.
  • the cap is momentarily depressed until the inner surfaces of the shorting bell 46 conductively engage each of the shorting portions 30.
  • the associated engine stops running and the operator can release the pressure from cap 42 so that it flexes back to the non-shorting position shown in FIG. 1.
  • the seals 38 and 40 are still maintained between the boot 36 and the switch body 16.
  • the boot 36 is formed of a water-impervious, flexible material and can be conveniently formed of a flexible elastomeric material.
  • the switch body 16 is preferably formed of dielectric thermoplastic.
  • the switch portion 12 may be conveniently mounted to a panel (shown in phantom lines), and, in preferred form, the front edge 56 of the boot may be beveled so as to fit within a similarly beveled or counter-sunk panel portion.
  • the switch body 16 in this case further includes an externally threaded portion 58 such that after the switch portion 12 is inserted through a beveled panel aperture, with the beveled edge 56 of the boot nested in the panel, the switch can be mounted by threading a nut (shown in phantom lines) onto the threaded portion 58 to urge the beveled edge 56 in snug fitting and sealing engagement with the panel.
  • the boot 36 is captured between the panel on which the switch is mounted and flange 34, thereby positively clamping and sealing the boot with the switch body.
  • the connector portion 14 of the switch 10 includes a generally cylindrical connector plug body 60 having two longitudinally extending passageways 62 which receive respective elongated socket contacts 64 having tubular ends for receiving respective male contact ends 32 of the switch terminals.
  • Each socket contact 64 may be of the hooded type having an outer sleeve with inner tines such that the tines are forceably spread apart so as to conductively engage the male contact 32.
  • an insulated conductor 66 is terminated by conventional soldering, crimping or insulation-piercing techniques.
  • the conductors 66 comprise the respective ignition wires coupled to an associated engine such that insertion of the connector portion 14 into the switch portion 12 electrically engages the conductors 66 with the respective switch terminals 28.
  • the connector plug body 60 includes a generally cylindrical skirt portion 68, having an inner protuberance or ridge 70 at its distal end with an inner diameter slightly less than the outer diameter of the recess wall 72 such that the skirt 68 may be interference-fit onto the switch body thereby providing mounting retention of the connector portion with the switch portion.
  • This interference-fit between skirt 68 and the external surface of outer recess wall 62 also provides a primary seal to prevent moisture or other undesirable substances from finding their way into the outer recess 22 and inner recess 24 in the interior of the switch body.
  • a generally cylindrical portion 74 of plug body 60 is provided with a series of ridges 76, dimensioned so as to provide an interference-fit with the inner surface of recess wall 72.
  • This provides a series of secondary mating seals between the connector plug body and the switch body to further prevent undesirable substances from eventually entering into the switch body and inner recess 24.
  • the contact portions 32 of the switch terminals extending in switch body recess 20 are protected from the environment by the switch body recess walls and by the surrounding connector plug body with the primary seal 70 on the exterior of the recess and the sealing ridges 76 along the inside portion of the recess.
  • the switch body recess 24 includes an inner wall surface 78 which is shaped so as to match the similarly shaped front portion 80 of the connector plug body 60.
  • the plug front extension 80 meets the inner recess 24, it must be properly oriented in order to obtain the alignment shown in FIG. 6.
  • the length of the front portion 80 extending from the front ridge 76 to the leading edge 82 is preferably equal to or slightly greater than the longitudinal dimension of outer recess 22, i.e., the length of the switch body between its outer edge 84 and the step 86 at the beginning of inner recess 24. This dimensioning enables the front portion 80 of the connector to be readily oriented with inner recess 24 thus aligning the contacts, without having either the interference of ridges 76 or the protuberance 70 sealing onto the switch body.
  • the socket contacts 64 may be mated with the contact ends 32 of the switch terminals by pushing the plug body axially into the switch portion, thereby forming the firm interference-fit previously described for both the primary and secondary mating seals both inside and outside of the longitudinal switch body recess 20.
  • the rear end of the connector plug body 60 further includes risers 88 and 90 extending inwardly from the passageways 62.
  • the risers 88 provide a support or strain relief for the conductors 66 and an individual seal for each conductor, while risers 90 provide contact retention to prevent rearward axial displacement of the contact.
  • the connector plug body 60 is preferably formed of a flexible elastomeric material. Insertion of the socket contacts 64 into the passageways formed in plug body 60, may be provided with an appropriate insertion tool, such as that disclosed in copending application, U.S. Ser. No. 722,674, assigned to the same assignee as the present application.
  • the construction of the present invention provides a reliable and quick-release, connectorized switch assembly.
  • the possibility of failure due to corrossion is greatly reduced, if not entirely eliminated.
  • the termination of the conductor leads to the switch terminals is also enhanced due to the improved mechanical or structural support given to the leads. For example, vibration and slight physical distortion of the connector plug should not impair the quality of the connection.

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  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
US05/823,226 1977-08-10 1977-08-10 Integral electrical shorting switch and connector assembly Expired - Lifetime US4164636A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US05/823,226 US4164636A (en) 1977-08-10 1977-08-10 Integral electrical shorting switch and connector assembly
CA308,903A CA1106929A (fr) 1977-08-10 1978-08-08 Commutateur electrique de court-circuitage du type utilise dans un circuit d'allumage

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US05/823,226 US4164636A (en) 1977-08-10 1977-08-10 Integral electrical shorting switch and connector assembly

Publications (1)

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US4164636A true US4164636A (en) 1979-08-14

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US05/823,226 Expired - Lifetime US4164636A (en) 1977-08-10 1977-08-10 Integral electrical shorting switch and connector assembly

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US (1) US4164636A (fr)
CA (1) CA1106929A (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4531796A (en) * 1982-05-18 1985-07-30 Robert Bosch Gmbh Electrical plug-and-socket connector
US4691086A (en) * 1986-04-03 1987-09-01 Indak Manufacturing Corp. Pushbutton electrical switch having a flairing contactor loosely rotatable on a spring-biased eyelet

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3029407A (en) * 1959-04-15 1962-04-10 Pyle National Co Electrical connector with pop-in current-continuing means
US3209109A (en) * 1961-08-02 1965-09-28 Singer Co Electric switch with wire terminals insertable as switch contacts
US3300600A (en) * 1961-02-23 1967-01-24 Arthur G Blomquist Miniature interlock switch
US3760137A (en) * 1970-10-05 1973-09-18 Alps Electric Co Ltd Matrix push-button switch
US3880487A (en) * 1973-07-20 1975-04-29 Itt Low cost sealed connector
US3936124A (en) * 1974-11-01 1976-02-03 Tuttle John D Waterproof connector
US3937545A (en) * 1974-12-23 1976-02-10 Ford Motor Company Waterproof electrical connector
DE2601206A1 (de) * 1976-01-14 1977-07-21 Priesemuth W Bremslichtschalter
US4053726A (en) * 1976-02-24 1977-10-11 Indak Manufacturing Corporation Push-button electrical switch

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3029407A (en) * 1959-04-15 1962-04-10 Pyle National Co Electrical connector with pop-in current-continuing means
US3300600A (en) * 1961-02-23 1967-01-24 Arthur G Blomquist Miniature interlock switch
US3209109A (en) * 1961-08-02 1965-09-28 Singer Co Electric switch with wire terminals insertable as switch contacts
US3760137A (en) * 1970-10-05 1973-09-18 Alps Electric Co Ltd Matrix push-button switch
US3880487A (en) * 1973-07-20 1975-04-29 Itt Low cost sealed connector
US3936124A (en) * 1974-11-01 1976-02-03 Tuttle John D Waterproof connector
US3937545A (en) * 1974-12-23 1976-02-10 Ford Motor Company Waterproof electrical connector
DE2601206A1 (de) * 1976-01-14 1977-07-21 Priesemuth W Bremslichtschalter
US4053726A (en) * 1976-02-24 1977-10-11 Indak Manufacturing Corporation Push-button electrical switch

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4531796A (en) * 1982-05-18 1985-07-30 Robert Bosch Gmbh Electrical plug-and-socket connector
US4691086A (en) * 1986-04-03 1987-09-01 Indak Manufacturing Corp. Pushbutton electrical switch having a flairing contactor loosely rotatable on a spring-biased eyelet

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA1106929A (fr) 1981-08-11

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AS Assignment

Owner name: ALLIED CORPORATION A CORP. OF NY, NEW JERSEY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BUNKER RAMO CORPORATION A CORP. OF DE;REEL/FRAME:004149/0365

Effective date: 19820922

Owner name: ALLIED CORPORATION COLUMBIA ROAD AND PARK AVENUE,

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:BUNKER RAMO CORPORATION A CORP. OF DE;REEL/FRAME:004149/0365

Effective date: 19820922

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Owner name: CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE, NEW YORK AGENC

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:AMPHENOL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004879/0030

Effective date: 19870515

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Owner name: AMPHENOL CORPORATION, LISLE, ILLINOIS A CORP. OF D

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:ALLIED CORPORATION, A CORP. OF NY;REEL/FRAME:004844/0850

Effective date: 19870602

Owner name: AMPHENOL CORPORATION, A CORP. OF DE, ILLINOIS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ALLIED CORPORATION, A CORP. OF NY;REEL/FRAME:004844/0850

Effective date: 19870602

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Owner name: BANKERS TRUST COMPANY, AS AGENT

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Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE;REEL/FRAME:006147/0887

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Owner name: AMPHENOL CORPORATION, CONNECTICUT

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Effective date: 19950104